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Ecofriendly winter sport

29/12/2011

Skiing on well-groomed ski runs, dangling by cable car towards the peak, going on tour through snow-covered forests or skiing down on untouched slopes… Winter sport means pleasure, relaxation and fun. But today such a lot of people revel in skiing, snowshoe hiking etc. that every ski area, every ski tour and every new lift means also a sever intervention in the nature.

What does ecofriendly winter sport means? Basically it has to do with many little things. But if they are considered by many winter sportsmen, they can achieve a lot. The first aspect is the choice of the skiing area: You should decide not only because of kilometers of slopes and snow-depths, but involve also the value of environmental protection and sustainability.

Whether you go abroad or just want to reach the next ski lift or the neighboring valley, from time to time even your car deserves a pause. In many places there are running free ski buses and in popular holiday regions also public transport is fully developed, so that you can quickly reach your destination in a far more environmental friendly, inexpensive and stress-free way.

At the beginning of the winter season it is hard to wait for the snow. Nevertheless you shouldn’t go skiing until it is available enough natural snow. Then the ski areas don’t feel so obliged to produce artificial snow, consuming a large amount of water and energy and having harmful consequences for soil and plants. After all the demands still determines the supply.

Consideration for flora and fauna has to be shown not only by skiers, but also by ski touring fans, snowshoe hikers and freeriders. Especially when you are on the way off the ski runs, you can considerably disturb the “inhabitants” in their already small habitat. Therefore the German Alpine Club has formulated some important rules:

Follow markings, advices and recommendations given by local alpine clubs.

Respect nature reserves for plants and animals, avoid noise.

Recognize habitats: Evade wild animals if possible, observe them only from far and avoid feeding grounds.

Avoid peaks and mountain ridges before 10 am and after 4 pm.

In wooden areas and along the tree line stay on usual ski routes, forest roads and trails.

Take care of reforestations.

Don’t go parallel to the tree line, keep back from single trees and tree groups.

Plan more stays lasting several days as day trips, use the local gastronomic offer.

Regrettably responsible dealings with nature in some winter sport regions aren’t yet naturalness. But if you as winter sport fan look after yourself and follow some simple rules, you can still enjoy skiing, winter hiking and ski touring without bad conscience.